Predicting the New Orleans Saints Starting Defense

Now that we’re almost to the beginning of the regular season. Let’s go ahead and take a look at the projected starting lineup for your New Orleans Saints defense. Now this lineup will be based on a successful preseason where no one receives an injury.

Starting LE- Cameron Jordan

Jordan continues to perform at an all star level late in his career. Now that he has help from the defensive scheme and teammates. He could do even more damage going forward.

Starting RE- Trey Hendrickson

One of the many New Orleans younger up and coming players. Hendrickson is a big boy that can move with the best of em. He has great athleticism and ability to get to the quarterback.

Starting DT- Sheldon Rankins

Saints have a great young core to an future powerhouse defense. Rankins is nuts another one of those guys. He anchors the middle of that line eating up double teams as a nose tackle. With the signing of Robert Nkemdiche the starter could be on the hot seat if he underperforms.

Starting Starting LOLB- Shane Ray

Like his fellow newcomer Robert Nkemdiche, Shane Ray was once a highly touted prospect out of college. He never really was able to reach his potential early in his career. Could the defensive coaching staff help fix that?

Starting MLB(1)- Demario Davis

Last season Demario Davis was easily the best pure linebacker the Saints had. Now entering his age 31 season the Saints hope he doesn’t slow down too much so they could still have a solid linebacker while Alex Anzalone continues to grow.

Starting MLB(2)- Alex Anzalone

Known as the best linebacker in coverage, Anzalone looks to continue to grow with Demario Davis as his guide. The young backer has great athleticism that helps him keep up with more athletic tight ends.

Starting ROLB- Marcus Davenport

If Cameron Jordan is the best pure pass rusher on the Saints roster than this young stud is a close second. Davenport has elite size and elite athletic ability to go with it. He’s able to beat offensive linemen in multiple ways with his strength and speed.

Starting CB(1)- Marshon Lattimore

Any given day this man could be the best player on the field and change the game. He has all the tools needed to be the best coverage corner in the PML. Give him some more time as he’s only 23 years old and he very well could be.

The Giants missed on this one. Eli Apple has everything you want in a corner. Size, strength and most importantly speed to cover downfield. With Marshon Lattimore drawing the top weapon on the other team it’ll be interesting how much Eli can grow with no pressure.

Starting CB(3)- Reshaan Melvin

Patrick Robinson is no more in New Orleans. So I’m Stephs the veteran Reshaan Melvin who was signed in free agency to take over as Robinson’s replacement. He has a little more size than Robinson so the Saints May have been able to upgrade here.

Starting FS- Marcus Williams

Just like the Lattimores, Davenports, Rankins and Anzalones of the world. Marcus Williams is on of the best young safeties in the game. At only 23 years of age he maintains the back half of the Saints defense who likes to send a lot of pressure leaving him by himself.

Starting SS- ?????

This position is totally up for grabs this season. Both Von Bell and Chauncey Gardner Johnson have shown their worth to the team. Gardner-Johnson has been performing at a high level this preseason and could end up leaving training camp with a starting role.